Can you name that bird?

Photo: South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program

A Lewis's woodpecker

Local residents can boost their bird knowledge during free workshops being held this spring by the Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship Society.

The society is hosting a trio of beginner workshops next month to inform people on how to identify native birds. 

OSS biologist Lia McKinnon said the workshops are aimed at local residents who can’t tell a wren from a finch or a sparrow, and so forth. 

"Spring is in the air and it is a great time to get outside and enjoy the birds that share our wonderful valleys," McKinnon said.

Other than learning basics in identifying birds, participants will learn how to attract certain birds and, weather permitting, will also get to "put their new skills to use" outdoors.

In the South Okanagan and Similkameen areas, workshops will be held on April 7 at the library in Keremeos and on April 8 at Okanagan Crush Pad in Summerland. Both will run from 10 a.m. 1 p.m.

Further up the valley, the society will also be holding a workshop at O'Keefe Ranch near Vernon on April 14, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Those looking to register can do so here. For further information, the public is asked to contact 250-770-1467 or [email protected].